COLLEGIATE PANHELLENIC COUNCIL
NEW MEMBER GUIDEBOOK 2020
Table of Contents Introduction to the Community ...............................................................................................
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What is CPC? ..........................................................................................................................................
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Other Councils .........................................................................................................................................
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Medical Amnesty & Good Samaritan Policies ...........................................................
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Hazing Policy............................................................................................................................................
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On-Campus Resources ......................................................................................................................
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OSI ....................................................................................................................................................................
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Introduction to the Community Welcome to Panhellenic at Georgia Tech! Congratulations on being a Yellow Jacket! Georgia Tech life is filled with deep tradition, and we are so excited that you are making Sorority life a part of your experience here at our beloved school. There are many different opportunities to get involved on campus, and the Panhellenic sorority experience is one of the best ways to make Georgia Tech feel like home! Sorority women on Georgia Tech's campus are nothing short of amazing! Our community is comprised of driven individuals who constantly strive to become the best versions of themselves. Whether it is through pursuing academic, professional, or personal goals, CPC women can accomplish anything they set their minds to.What I have gained from our Panhellenic community is much more than just leadership and professional growth. This experience has helped to evolve my character, establish my morals, and define who I am as a person. The women in this community have lifted me up and encouraged me through everything Georgia Tech has thrown my way, and I could not be more proud to serve this community. Our Panhellenic community is comprised of ten member organizations, including eight National Panhellenic Conference chapters and two Associate chapters, that are made up of empowered and exceptional women who are involved in all capacities throughout campus. Each sorority has values and traditions upon which it was founded that creates a unique bond between individual chapters across the nation. Sorority Life at Georgia Tech provides our women with the chance to achieve high academic success, build sensational character, grow as leaders, and develop lifelong bonds. The 2020 Executive Board has worked hard to ensure that we have a strong Panhellenic community, and I hope that you will see that during both your membership experiences! You will quickly find that "Greek Life" at Georgia Tech is different than most schools, so I encourage you to look through both our website and social media for more information. And, as always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions! In White & Gold, Hannah Sherrill, President
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What is CPC?
CPC, or the Collegiate Panhellenic Council, is the governing body of the eight National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) chapters and two Associate chapters on Georgia Tech's campus; we are one of the four Greek letter councils on Georgia Tech's campus. The NPC chapters participate in Formal Recruitment each August prior to the beginning of school. The Associate chapters host their individual recruitment within the first several weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters. Several key aspects that bond our community together: academics, involvement, philanthropy, sisterhood, and social.
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We strive to uphold the NPC Creed... We, as Undergraduate Members of women’s fraternities, stand for good scholarship, for guarding of good health, for maintenance of fine standards, and for serving, to the best of our ability, our college community. Cooperation for furthering fraternity life, in harmony with its bets possibilities, is the ideal that shall guide our fraternity activities.
We, as Fraternity Women, stand for service through the development of character, inspired by the close contact and deep friendship of individual fraternity and Panhellenic life. The opportunity for wide and wise human service, through mutual respect and helpfulness, is the tenet by which we strive to live.
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Our Philanthropy Our CPC philanthropy is Circle of Sisterhood, an incredible organization founded by a Panhellenic woman that strives to work with communities to help build schools and empower women. In 2018, CPC raised $40,000 and sent 17 women to Sass Mack, Senegal to build a school alongside the community. The Circle of Sisterhood exists today to help make a better life possible for women and girls around the globe, through education.
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Our Brand By herself, she shines with potential and radiates possibilities. But when she plugs into a network of other supportive women, her confidence, strength, and capabilities are ignited. She is a Georgia Tech sorority woman. She isn’t like what you’ve seen in the movies. She isn’t confined by anyone’s expectations. She is powerful. Her sorority experience has catalyzed her abilities, and the support of her sisters charges her confidence fully. She is a Georgia Tech sorority woman. She is powerful.
EMPOWERED: The sorority community at Georgia Tech enhances the academic, social, and personal potential of each of its members. We believe in our women’s potential. We prepare our women for success as professionals. And we celebrate the unique and diverse gifts each of our women have to contribute to our global society.
CONFIDENT: The sorority community at Georgia Tech produces confident women with remarkable communication and leadership skills. An encounter with any of our chapters’ members will leave a lasting impression of a driven achiever who is poised to shape her future.
SUPPORTED: The sorority community at Georgia Tech supports its members as they experience the opportunities and challenges that college – and a dynamic career – throw at them. Throughout life, our members benefit from the feeling of always having a loving home full of sisters who care about them and believe in them.
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Leadership Advisor- Mattie Smyth (mattie.smyth@studentlife.gatech.edu) President- Hannah Sherrill (president.gtcpc@gmail.com) Executive Vice President- Tal Nechmad (evp.gtcpc@gmail.com) Programming Vice President- Harper Melnick (pvp.gtcpc@gmail.com) Communications Vice President- Julia Binegar (cvp.gtcpc@gmail.com) Finance Vice President- Hannah Day (fvp.gtcpc@gmail.com) Recruitment Vice President- Katrina Balga (rvp.gtcpc@gmail.com) Recruitment Programming Vice President- Clara Kennedy (rpvp.gtcpc@gmail.com) Philanthropy Vice President- Kat Markey (phvp.gtcpc@gmail.com)
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Other Councils The Collegiate Panhellenic Council is one of the four Greek letter councils on Georgia Tech’s campus, in addition to the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC). The Interfraternity Council (IFC) at Georgia Tech leads and directs the 31 member fraternities on campus. Each of the thirty-one chapters represented are members of the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), a national governing body. The Interfraternity Council promotes the interests of fraternities in general, and ensures cooperation among the different fraternities on campus.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) is composed of nine historically African-American International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities. Georgia Tech is currently home to eight of the organizations in the “Divine Nine.” NPHC promotes interaction through forums, meetings and other mediums for the exchange of information and engages in cooperative programming and initiatives through various activities and functions.
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is comprised of culturally based fraternities and sororities representing multicultural backgrounds. The MGC at Georgia Tech is comprised of 7 multicultural fraternities and sororities with representation from Asian, South Asian and Latinx backgrounds. They foster and promote unity, awareness and community service. The member organizations of this council are open to students from all backgrounds, religions, and creeds.
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Greek Neighborhood
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Medical Amnesty + Good Samaritan Policies State of Georgia Amnesty Law i. State of Georgia protects those who seek medical assistance for alcohol and drug related overdoses ii. "Drug overdose" means an acute condition, including, but not limited to, extreme physical illness, decreased level of consciousness, respiratory depression, coma, mania, or death, resulting from the consumption or use of a controlled substance or dangerous drug by the distressed individual in violation of this chapter or that a reasonable person would believe to be resulting from the consumption or use of a controlled substance or dangerous drug by the distressed individual. iii. State of Georgia Alcohol Amnesty 1. Under the terms of the law, any person who seeks medical assistance in good faith for someone experiencing an alcohol related overdose “shall not be arrested, charged, or prosecuted” for a number of crimes related to underage alcohol: purchasing, attempting to purchase, or possessing alcohol, misrepresenting one’s age to purchase alcohol, purchasing or acquiring alcohol on behalf of a minor, and misrepresenting one’s identity or using false identification to purchase alcohol. Additionally, any such person “shall not be subject to” penalties for a violation of a protective order or restraining order or sanctions for violation of a condition of pretrial release, probation, or parole. This immunity applies where such penalties or violations are “related to” the seeking of medical assistance. All of these immunities apply to the person who seeks medical assistance as well as the victim.
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Continued... iv. State of Georgia Limited Drug Amnesty 1. The Medical Amnesty Law attempts to address this problem by providing limited immunity from arrest, charge, and prosecution for possession of controlled substances and marijuana for both a person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for an individual experiencing a drug-related overdose (whether for himself or another) and the person suffering from the overdose where the evidence for the arrest, charge or prosecution was obtained solely as a result of the seeking of medical assistance. The law provides immunity from possession charges only; it provides no protection for other crimes such as the sale of illegal drugs. Specifically, this law provides protection from arrest, charge or prosecution for possession of less than four grams of a solid controlled substance, less than one milliliter of a liquid substance, or a substance “placed into a secondary medium� with a combined weight of less than four grams. For marijuana, protection is provided for possession of less than one ounce. 2. Georgia classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin and cocaine as controlled substances, but also the compounds used to manufacture them. This also includes all prescription medications that are not prescribed to the user.
Georgia Tech Amnesty Law i. Protects students and organizations who, in good faith, seek medical assistance for others or themselves ii. Students are expected to inform Institute offices, Georgia Tech Police, or local/law enforcement/first responders when someone’s health or safety is at risk. No formal Institute disciplinary actions or sanctions will be imposed for violations of Institute rules regarding alcohol or drug use by the reporting student(s). However, individuals may be provided with resources on drug and alcohol counseling and/or education, as appropriate. Such education or treatment may include, but is not limited to: seminars, programs, assessments, or individual counseling. Failure to complete recommended follow-up education, assessment, and/or treatment may result in disciplinary action and/or recommendation for a withdrawal from the Institute
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Hazing Policy Hazing is defined as any intentional, negligent or reckless action, or situation-which causes another pain, embarrassment, ridicule or harassment, regardless of the willingness of the participant. Not only is hazing incompatible with the ideals and traditions of fraternities and sororities but also violates all Council policies and regulations and Georgia state law. Many times it can be viewed as a ‘gray area’, but here at Georgia Tech, we do our best to view it as plainly as possible. Hazing and code of conduct violations can occur in any student organization and there are campus-wide policies regulating this. In our Greek community, we take steps to further educate and prevent any culture of hazing. Georgia Tech and every Greek organization has a firm stance against hazing as it is easily the most dangerous and destructive practice that an organization can take part in. Although many people automatically associate the term "hazing" with the idea of mistreating or abusing pledges or new members, any member can actually be a victim of hazing. Hazing can be defined as singling out an individual or group of people and forcing them to do something that is psychological, physical, or emotionally harmful or damaging. Potential members of fraternities and sororities are never forced to do anything they do not feel comfortable doing. New fraternity and sorority members experience a period of orientation. During this time, new members will participate in weekly meetings to learn about the university and the fraternity/sorority, attend leadership retreats, participate in community service projects, as well as other activities designed to build friendships among the new members and the older members of the chapter. By doing so, these are the actions that can instill a sense of responsibility and commitment in the new members - not through acts of hazing. In addition, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life provides continuing training and preventative programs on hazing to our community to prevent hazing from happening and to help new members identify if hazing is occurring and how to address it. National Hazing Prevention Week is intended to provide students and faculty/staff on both high school and college campuses with the resources and strategies to address issues of hazing and learn preventative measures. The week of events will be hosted by Fraternity and Sorority Life, but is designed to be inclusive of all students and student organizations, regardless of Greek affiliation. NHPW 2019 is September 22-26.
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On-Campus Resources VOICE: provides support to victim-survivors of sexual violence and those supporting survivors as well as educates the campus community about healthy relationships and sexual violence; serves as a confidential resource for sexual assault survivors where they can seek support and learn about potential next steps Location: Stamps Health Services- Health Initiatives Suite Hours: Normal hours: 8am to 5pm Monday - Friday: (404) 385-4464 or (404) 385-4451 After-hours support: Call GT Police (404-894-2500) and ask to speak to the VOICE on-call advocate How do I use this resource? Sexual assault survivors can call 24/7 to speak with a VOICE advocate through the phone numbers listed above for immediate support or to make an appointment Visit the Health Initiatives suite in Stamps Health Center and ask to speak with a VOICE advocate
Counseling Center: provides several different counseling services to students and is a confidential resource operating primarily to give students mental health support; Services offered: individual counseling, group counseling, couples counseling, referral services, consultation, outreach, life skills workshops, testing and assessment, career counseling, mandated alcohol and other drug counseling, and psychiatric services Location: Flag Building Suite #238 How do I use this resource? Schedule an appointment: must fill out initial paperwork (approx. 30 minutes long) by stopping by the office in-person; can then schedule an Initial Consultation (approx. 45 min long) to assess the student’s needs Immediate assistance: you may speak with a counselor at any time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During regular business hours (MondayFriday 8-5), students may walk-in or call 404-894-2575. After business hours, please call 404-894-2575 and select the option to speak to the afterhours counselor
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Referral Form: Faculty, staff, students, and parents may use the form to express a concern they may have for a student How do I use this resource? The referral form can be found at the top bar of the Student Life website, by clicking on the tab “Referral Form� https://studentlife.gatech.edu
LGBTQIA Resource Center: Services: Q-Chats, Community Support, Safe Space Trainings Location: Flag Building Suite 115A Contact: Phone: 404-385-2679 http://lgbtqia.gatech.edu/safe-space How do I use this resource? Visit their website to see event dates or call to find out how you can get involved
SGA:
The liaison between students and Georgia Tech administration Hotline for anonymous reporting 404-894-3458
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Academic Resource Center(s) Advising Individual major advisors: provide support for major curriculum, registration, and study abroad questions; information about each major’s advising can be found at: http://www.advising.gatech.edu/advising-information-major
Academic Calendar: Shows all dates concerning registration, grades release, end of term, and school holidays How do I use this resource? View the calendar online at https://registrar.gatech.edu/calendar? view=list&collection=current&category=gradu,holid,meeti,regis,nocat&exclude =201905L&cache=1559246010
Communications Center: Helps students improve writing skills and gives advice regarding class projects, job and graduate school applications, resumes, etc. Tutors include faculty and peers. Location: Clough 247 How do I use this resource? Reserve 30 minute sessions at their website: http://www.communicationcenter.gatech.edu/
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Academic Resource Center(s) Center for Academic Success: Services: 1-on-1 Tutoring: an appointment-based tutoring service available to all students and covers over seventy different courses but primarily 1000- and 2000-level courses PLUS study sessions: peer-led study sessions that help students enrolled in traditionally challenging courses learn in a relaxed, collaborative environment Academic coaching: provides students a chance to work individually with a professional Learning Specialist to improve their academic skills, confidence, and performance Reboot: a cohort program for students who are not meeting their own academic expectations; a 4-week program (offered twice per semester) provides students an extended opportunity to work with staff members and make changes necessary for achieving academic success The Success Summit: a half-day program specially designed for Tech students who want to make changes and improve their academic performance GT 2100 Seminar on Academic Success: is a course designed to help students returning from Academic Dismissal develop and practice strategies for success at Georgia Tech Location: Second floor of the G. Wayne Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, Suite 283 How do I use this resource? Schedule online for the majority of their services at http://www.success.gatech.edu/about/location To learn about Summit programs or workshops: visit or call their office at 404-894-1945
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Professional Resources Center for Career Discovery and Development (C2D2): Helps with the exploration, selection, and pursuit of meaningful careers through career counseling, career fairs, seminars, resume writing, interview tips, and more Services: Career counseling: Students seeking assistance with choosing a major and career planning can schedule an appointment with a career counselor by calling 404-8942550 Internship program: Students seeking practical work experience related to their major can learn about the Internship Program by attending an information session Career seminars: Workshops related to choosing a major, resumes, interviewing, business etiquette, job search strategies, etc. are conducted each semester Career focus: An event that takes place during the first week of September where company representatives present on job search related topics Resume, interviewing, and job search assistance: Students can receive feedback on resumes and answers to interviewing and job search related questions during walk-in hours Mock Interviews: Students can receive individual coaching on interview skills through the computerized Optimal Interview program available on the Career Services website or can schedule a practice interview. Career library: A library that contains information on various career fields, career planning, graduate school, job search related topics, and potential employers Campus recruiting: Students can submit their resume, and sign up for interviews for internships and full-time positions on CareerBuzz where employers post internship, parttime and full-time positions Location: Bill Moore Student Success Center, First Floor How do I use these resources? Visit the C2D2 website at https://career.gatech.edu/ to view any upcoming seminars, career fairs, and schedule advising or interview appointments To use CareerBuzz visit https://gatech-csm.symplicity.com and set up an account with you GTID. Call the C2D2 office at 404.894.3320 to ask any questions or learn more about their services
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GTPD Georgia Tech’s police force serves with the mission to enforce laws and campus policy, to serve the public, to prevent and detect criminal activity, and to reduce the fears of the public through community interaction and education Services: LifeSafe: an app that has direct resources to Georgia Tech emergency services; its features include: (1) SafeWalkTM so friends and family can electronically “follow you home.” (2) Location Sharing with GTPD in an emergency. (3) The ability to report suspicious activity to GTPD with text, photos, and videos – discreetly and anonymously (4) Quick Access to Emergency Phone Numbers Download using the Apple or GooglePlay app stores and sign up using your Georgia Tech email address Citizens Police Academy: a five-week program designed to educate and inform citizens about issues that face campus law enforcement efforts at Georgia Tech and how the department operates Property registration and engraving: enables Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff to register valuable items containing serial numbers with the Georgia Tech Police Department in case it is stolen and recovered Location: 879 Hemphill Avenue NW, Atlanta GA 30332-0440 How do I use this resource? Call anytime at 404-894-2500 Visit https://www.gatech.edu/ to learn more about their Citizens Police Academy or register any valuable item
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Resource Phone Numbers On-Call Advocate * 404-984-8275 GT Counseling Center * 404-894-2575 Stamps Health Services * 404-894-1420 GT Police Department 404-894-2500 Title IX Coordinator 404-385-5583 Women’s Resource Center * 404-385-0230 LGBTQIA Resource Center * 404-385-2679 Health Initiatives 404-894-9980 GT Sexual Assault Info Line * 404-894-9000 Grady Rape Crisis Center * 404-616-4861 * = confidential resources (not obligated to report the incident) Comprehensive resource website: voice.gatech.edu
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What is OSI? The Office of Student Integrity is the Institute's standards board that holds students to the highest standard of honor and integrity. There are two types of cases that OSI sees: academic misconduct and non-academic misconduct cases. The mission of OSI: The Office of Student Integrity inspires students to strengthen their personal character by promoting and upholding Georgia Tech's core value of integrity. Academic misconduct cases range from cheating cases to handling the credibility of classes and degrees. Non-academic cases deal with the campus and students actions outside of the classroom. The non-academic misconduct process is outlined below with respect to the timeline of cases. A complaint is filed against a student or organization. Complaints are also generated from various departments and offices. These departments include but are not limited to: Georgia Tech Police Department, Office of Information Technology, Housing Department, and the Office of Parking and Transportation. After a complaint is filed, OSI works to collect evidence and prepare a report. Once this process is finished, The case will be adjudicated by the Student Conduct Administrator or a Student Conduct Panel. The Respondent may state a preference for a decision to be rendered by the Student Conduct Administrator or by a Student Conduct Panel. During this meeting, the student will discuss what happened, and then potential sanctioning. In cases where a student is found responsible for academic misconduct, students are given sanctions. Sanctions can affect a student's disciplinary status at Georgia Tech, could require educational activities to help them grow from the situation, and can impact their grade on the assignment and/or in the class where the violation took place. Overall, this process typically takes two to three months depending on the severity of the case and the caseload being handled by OSI at that time.
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Timeline of Cases 1
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Complaint filed against a student or organization.
OSI works to collect evidence and prepare a report.
Complaints can be generated from various departments and offices including: GTPD, Office of Information Technology, Housing Department, and the Office of Parking and Transportation.
The whole process usually takes two to three months pending on the severity of the case and case load handled by OSI at the time.
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Case is adjudicated by Student Conduct Administrator or Student Conduct Panel.
Sanctions may be given if student is found responsible.
The Respondent may state a preference for a decision to be rendered. During this meeting, the student will discuss what happened for the administrator or panel.
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Sanctions can affect a student's disciplinary status at Georgia Tech, require educational activities, and impact assignment grade and/or the class where the violation took place.
Student Code of Conduct The student code of conduct is what every student commits to adhere to upon becoming a student. The student code of conduct in detail can be found here: http://www.policylibrary.gatech.edu/student-life/studentconduct. The code of conduct calls for students to uphold the ideals of the Institute. It states “the policies regarding conduct educates all members of the Georgia Tech Community about the Institute’s expectations and Students’ rights, and creates a standard by which Students are expected to conduct themselves for the purpose of establishing an environment conducive to academic excellence.”
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Campus Drugs + Alcohol Policy Finally, the campus alcohol policy is to promote the welfare of students and allow them to enjoy their time at Georgia Tech. The purpose of this policy is to promote and educate about the lawful and responsible use of alcohol by students, and to educate about illegal drugs in order to maintain an environment that is consistent with the educational focus of Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech will comply with all federal, state, and local laws and policies, including the policies of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, on the abuse of alcohol and other drugs by its students. The legal drinking age in the State of Georgia is 21. Georgia Tech, The Interfraternity Council, and the Collegiate Panhellenic Council strive to keep students safe, while they enjoy all that the college experience has to offer. Overall, every council and agency at Georgia Tech are striving to create leaders and world-changers. These policies are to keep these students safe and are not intended to hinder their time in college.
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